Some individuals exclusively eat artisan bread, while others don’t mind either normal or artisan bread. Are they really so dissimilar? Indeed, they are pretty diverse and have differentiating qualities that define them unique.

Artisan bread is normally made using standard components such as water, wheat, salt, and sometimes yeast. They are typically homemade and need a lengthy fermenting period of up to 24 hours. This blend results in a loaf of bread with more developed and fascinating tastes.

Hello! Shea here, a bread enthusiast and self-taught baker. I adore bread, both normal and artisan (as do my children!). I was curious about the differences between the two and was amazed at how much these two sorts of loaves differed.

Continue reading to understand the difference between artisan bread and normal bread.

7 Key Differences Between Artisan Bread and Regular Bread

Artisan bread and normal bread are not interchangeable. In reality, they vary substantially, which is why there is such a noticeable variance in pricing at the local grocery shop or bakery. Let’s look at the top seven distinctions between these popular sorts of bread loaves.

1. Made With Natural Ingredients

The ingredients are one key feature that distinguishes these bread loaves. Water, flour, salt, and yeast are the four major natural elements used in artisan bread.

That’s not to suggest artisan bread can’t have various tastes. Focaccia, for example, is a sort of artisan bread that adds spices (typically rosemary, oregano, or other Italian herbs).

Ordinary loaves of bread often contain twice as many ingredients as artisan bread, if not more.

2. Typically Handmade

A skilled, highly experienced bread maker nearly invariably makes artisan bread. They have the knowledge and drive to create the most delectable and sophisticated loaves of bread, and the evidence is in the pudding, or should I say an artisan loaf of bread?

This is distinct from ordinary bread since typical loaves are often mass-produced in factories without the delicate touch of an artisan baker.

3. Long Fermentation Time

Whether preparing artisan or basic loaves, all bread doughs need rising. Although normal dough just requires a few hours to ferment (often only an hour! ), artisan loaves may be fermented for up to 24 hours.

4. Tastier

There’s a reason why artisan bread is fermented for so long: it develops more flavor with a lot of depth.

Although normal bread might be a little dull, artisan bread has unique characteristics that are certainly appealing.

The taste varies based on the kind of artisan bread consumed. Sourdough bread, for example, might have a sour flavor, whilst brioche is famed for its exquisite sweetness. Others, depending on the ingredients, might have a savory or sour taste.

Whichever flavor you choose, you can be certain that the handmade bread tastes will be unique and delicious from start to end.

5. Better Texture

When you touch or consume ordinary bread, you will note that it is very soft, almost sponge-like.

But what about artisan bread? It has a crispy outside with a deliciously moist and chewy within. This is because to the huge air pockets scattered throughout the loaf.

6. Price

A loaf of artisan bread takes a lot of time and expertise to make, while normal loaves are often mass-produced in a factory with little to no human touch.

Since artisan bread takes more time and effort to make, it is more expensive than normal loaves. But, ask anybody if artisan bread is worth the additional money. They’ll say emphatically, “Sure!”

7. Potentially Healthier

There are no nutritional differences between artisan and normal loaves of bread. The main difference is that artisan bread ferments for a longer period of time, producing gut-healthy enzymes that may not induce a blood sugar surge like normal loaves of bread.

FAQs

There are obvious distinctions between artisan and standard loaves of bread. Don’t you think this is fascinating? I’m sure you have some other queries. I hope I can respond to them below!

What is meant by artisan bread?

There is no clear definition of artisan bread. Nevertheless, an artisan is described as someone who handcrafts high-quality items in small numbers using traditional techniques.

As a result, we may presume that artisan bread is prepared by hand using traditional ingredients and procedures.

How is artisan bread flour different from regular bread flour?

To generate the artisan type of bread, artisan bread flour includes more gluten and yeast. As opposed to conventional loaves, which have a tighter crumb, these additional ingredients guarantee that the loaf has more air spaces and greater wetness.

What are the four main characteristics of artisan bread?

Artisan bread has four distinguishing characteristics: it is handcrafted, manufactured in small amounts (rather than mass-produced in a factory like conventional bread), has no preservatives (all-natural ingredients), and employs traditional processes.

What is the healthiest bread you can eat?

Whole grain and sprouted grain bread loaves are among the healthiest types of bread available. But, sourdough (artisan bread) rates well as well. Again, this is due to the long fermentation process, which guarantees that your blood sugar does not surge after eating.

Artisan Bread and Regular Bread Are Significantly Different

While artisan bread and standard bread are offered in the same aisle, they are not the same thing. Artisan bread is baked by hand from natural ingredients and needs a lengthy fermenting period.

This produces a tastier bread with better texture. Because of the talent, care, and time necessary to produce it, it is more expensive than regular loaves.

Which do you prefer: artisan or ordinary bread? Do you have any additional distinctions you’d like to share?